Hitches
It’s important to have the correct hitch equipment.
Crosswinds, large trucks going by and rough roads are a
few reasons
why
you’ll need the right hitch. Here are
some rules to follow:
Safety Chains
You should always attach chains between your vehicle
and your trailer. Cross the safety chains under the tongue
of
the trailer
so
that the tongue will not drop to the road
if it becomes separated from the hitch. Instructions
about safety chains may be provided by the hitch
manufacturer or by the trailer manufacturer. Follow the
manufacturer’s recommendation for attaching safety
chains and
do
not attach them to the bumper. Always
leave just enough slack
so
you can
turn
with your rig.
And, never allow safety chains to drag
on
the ground.
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If
you’ll be pulling a trailer that, when loaded, will
weigh more
than
2,000
lbs.
(900
kg),
be sure
to
use
a properly mounted, weight-distributing hitch and
sway control of the proper size. This equipment is
very important for proper vehicle loading and good
handling when you’re driving.
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Will
you
have to make any holes in the body of your
vehicle when you install a trailer hitch? If you do,
then be sure to seal the holes later when you remove
the hitch.
If
you don’t seal them, deadly carbon
monoxide (CO) from your exhaust can get into your
vehicle (see “Carbon Monoxide”
in
the Index).
Dirt
and water
can,
too.
The bumpers on your vehicle
are
not intended
for hitches.
Do
not attach rental hitches or other
bumper-type hitches to them. Use’only
a
frame-mounted hitch that does not attach to
the bumper.
Trailer Brakes
Because you have anti-lock brakes, don’t
try
to tap into
your
vehicle’s hydraulic brake system. If
you
do, both
brake systems won’t work well, or at all.
Be sure to read and follow the instructions for the trailer
brakes
so
you’ll be able
to
maintain them properly.
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